What is grace?
Most people have heard of grace. Maybe you’ve had to give someone grace or forgiveness after they’ve made a mistake. Maybe someone has given you grace after you’ve messed up and needed forgiveness.
Christians use the word “grace” all the time. We’re often instructed in the church to give each other grace because God has given us grace.
However, if you’re new to Christianity, you may not understand God’s grace or why it’s essential to our salvation. Here are some answers.
What is the definition of grace, and why do we need it?
Biblical grace is defined as “the unmerited favor of God toward man.” All of us are sinners, and none of us can meet God’s standard of perfection.
Romans 3:23 (ESV) says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 (ESV) says that “the wages of sin is death.” Luckily, God’s gracious love covers our sins.
Grace is a part of God’s innate character, and it is what bridges the gap between us as imperfect humans, and God as a perfect God. Grace covers a multitude of sins, so we can have intimate relationship with God this side of heaven despite how many times we get things wrong.
What does the Bible say about grace?
God’s grace is a gift.
The Bible is clear that grace is a priceless gift from God. There’s absolutely nothing that we can do to earn it or lose it — it’s something that we receive just from choosing to accept it. We can’t earn our way into heaven, just like we can’t fall out of salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
While God’s grace is a free gift to us, it came at an enormous cost. Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of all humanity so that we may receive God’s grace.
First Peter 2:24 (ESV) says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
There’s no limit to God’s grace.
There’s no limit to how much grace God can give us. Grace isn’t in limited supply; it’s abundant and freely given to all of us because we all need it. Ephesians 4:7 (ESV) says, “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”
God has an infinite amount of grace, and it’s a gift we can receive just by asking for it.
God’s grace is available to all of us.
God’s grace is equally available to all of us, regardless of who we are. God doesn’t play favorites or only give His grace to certain people.
Titus 2:11 (ESV) says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”
God’s grace does not permit us to do whatever we want.
You might ask yourself, “If God’s grace covers all of my sins, why can’t I just sin as much as I want?” Here’s why: Choosing to intentionally sin over and over again after you’ve chosen to follow Christ does nothing more than mock God for the grace that He gives.
God’s grace is what draws us close to him. Think of someone you love — truly, deeply love. Perhaps a spouse or a child. The more you love that person, the more you want to do things that will make them happy. You don’t purposefully test the boundaries day in and day out to see what you can get away with, or to see if their love will still hold true despite your worst actions.
The same is true of God’s grace. When we are in true relationship with God and experience the goodness of His grace, it draws us into deeper love and relationship with Him — not rebellion.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website.
Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our podcast series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.